Oval Problems & Pit Lane Stories: Kevin Krauss on the State of IndyCar

In this jam-packed episode of The Pits Are Open, host Will Marotti is joined by the multifaceted Kevin Krauss—racer, driving coach, and host of Seventh Gear Overdrive, “the greatest spectacle in podcasting.” Together they unpack the highs and lows of recent IndyCar events, including Alex Palou’s dominant run at Laguna Seca, Katherine Legge’s historic NASCAR finish, and the disappointing attendance at Iowa. Kevin shares behind-the-scenes stories from his coaching career with AMG, Lexus, and Porsche, and offers candid thoughts on the future of oval racing in IndyCar. They also reflect on childhood memories of the Indy 500 and what makes open-wheel racing so special. This episode blends nostalgia, industry insight, and a call for honest accountability in motorsports.📺 Watch on YouTube: The Pits Are Open Podcast📲 Follow Kevin Krauss: Seventh Gear Overdrive📣 Powered by: SpeedSport1 | Redline Ace🕑 Key Timestamps:00:31 – Sponsored by SpeedSport1 & Redline Ace

01:07 – Laguna Seca recap and Alex Palou’s championship domination

02:05 – Shoutouts to Scott Dixon, Christian Lundgaard, and Santino Ferrucci03:02 – NASCAR Brickyard crowd disappointment and TV optics04:54 – Katherine Legge finishes 17th in the Cup Series—a historic achievement05:40 – Trans Am Portland weekend and how to stream SpeedSport106:22 – Guest intro: Kevin Krauss from Seventh Gear Overdrive08:00 – Shared nostalgia: falling in love with racing through AM radio10:50 – Silver Floss sauerkraut and racing memories from 197513:02 – Kevin’s driving and coaching journey: From open-wheel to AMG, Lexus, Porsche17:00 – Balancing podcasting, racing, and Cross Meats20:00 – IndyCar’s off-season: “The series disappears for six months”23:00 – Frustration with poor promotion and empty seats in Iowa26:50 – Honest conversation: Why IndyCar might be losing touch with its fan base30:00 – Will and Kevin call for more accountability, fewer excuses